Sounders Practice Notes [09-17-18]: Homecoming

A light practice today, as the Sounders began to prepare for Wednesday’s game versus Philadelphia. The actual session went about as long as usual, but the participants were limited, as the entire starting lineup from Saturday’s big win in Vancouver trained inside.

Of those who were outside, the return of Roman Torres was probably the most notable. He hadn’t been seen since he left for international duty. As he was the last Sounder to play on international duty last week (and in Panama at that), it probably made sense to give him a few extra days off, as Marshall and Kim Kee Hee were always going to start on Saturday.

Speaking of which, some of the questions after practice put to Brian Schmetzer had to do with the hard time Kei Kamara gave the duo on Saturday. Schmetzer chalked most of the struggle due to Kamara having a very good game, but noted that Vancouver otherwise put the Sounders under considerable pressure. He indicated they’ll be going over the video from the game to see if there is anything else that needs fixing. He also mentioned that Kamara is very good in the air (though pointed out that Chad Marshall is no slouch), and nothing should be taken away from his quality.

It appears that there were no significant injuries from the game, but as this was a regen day, we won’t know more until tomorrow. But that is obviously a good sign given there are two more games in the next five days. Will Bruin spoke to the fact that the improved health of the team will allow the team to get through this congested week, and he looks forward to contributing however he can.

Both Bruin and Schmetzer remarked on the historical nature of the nine-game winning streak, although Bruin pointed out that they’ve needed this run just to get to fifth place, which speaks to the hole the team was in over the first half of the season. Thus neither really wanted to pat themselves on the back too much, as a couple of losses in a row could have the team on the wrong side of the red-line looking up. Still, nine wins in a row and bringing the Cascadia Cup back to Seattle for the first time since 2015 definitely was cause for smiles.

And on that note (shameless plug time), if you’d like to come and say hello to George, he’ll be making an appearance at the Berliner Pub tonight from 7:00-9:00 p.m., while we broadcast another episode of SonarFeed. Not to be outdone, James Riley will be in attendance as well. Feel free to join us in person, or watch via YouTube. Hope to see you there!

Your Monday morning reminder that tonight at The @berlinerpub we’ll have 2 guests. A man called James and a cup called George.

Come on down for food, drinks, and to hang with us and @JamesRiley7 around 7pm.